Hospital Awards Elite Parish Runners

St. James Parish Hospital recently hosted an event to award parish runners who completed the Run St. James Series Challenge.

With the help of partners Chad Weidert and his wife Susan, founders of the St. James Runners’ Club, the hospital awarded local children and parents who completed at least three of four parish races this fall. Each received a custom series medal commemorating their achievement.

Elite runners receiving awards included (not all pictured):

Mason Babin

Mason Bryan

Erin Bryan

Paul Roth

Leticia Doyle

Alyssa Haase

Blaze Melancon

Tyler Milioto

Damon Milioto

Chase Oubre

Avery Roussel

Ayden Roussel

Trey Hauge

Sarah Jones

Eli Roussel

Laurie Roussel

Anthony “Tony” Clemente

At the ceremony, parents and children enjoyed a runners’ snack bar and were congratulated by hospital CEO Mary Ellen Pratt—also an avid runner—for their ongoing to commitment to wellness and making exercise a family affair. Hospital leaders also announced that they were proud to expand the Run St. James Challenge to include ANYONE who completes at least three races in the series.

“With the help of Chad and Susan, we have sponsored this initiative for five years. The more medals we award, the better,” said Kassie Roussel, Director of Marketing.
“We started by awarding children. Then, recognizing the important role families play began including parents. Now, we want to open up to challenge to everyone. Remaining active at any age is so important to our health and happiness.” said Roussel.

The hospital thanks the Weiderts for an invitation to collaborate and for their invaluable time mentoring and supporting parish youth.